Hermetically sealed coin cell

Abstract

A hermetically sealed coin cell is described. The coin cell has the opposite polarity terminals isolated from one another by a glass-to-metal seal. Glassing a conductive disc inside a ring of greater diameter and height forms this seal. The height of the ring is equivalent to the desired height of the cell. The disc acts as one cell terminal, which can be positive or negative, and the ring serves as the other terminal. In plan view, both terminals are on the same side of the cell. This allows for easy mounting and connection to an electric circuit board, and the like.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 441,015, filed Jan. 17, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention generally relates to the conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hermetically sealed coin-type cell. The cell is of either a primary or a secondary chemistry.[0004]2. Prior Art[0005]Implantable electrochemical cells are in widespread use. These cells are hermetically sealed using an insulating glass to separate the terminal pin from the case. Power sources of this type prevent internal components, such as the electrolyte, from coming into contact with body tissue or sensitive electrical components of the associated implantable medical device. These cells are easily manufactured in large sizes. However, as cell size becomes smaller, it becomes increasingly more complicated to pe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention coin cell is distinguishable from those of the prior art in that the opposite polarity terminals are isolated from one another using a glass-to-metal seal. Glassing a conductive disc inside a ring of greater diameter and height forms this seal. The height of the ring is equivalent to the desired height of the cell. The disc acts as one cell terminal, which can be positive or negative, and the ring serves as the other terminal. In plan view, both terminals are on the same side of the cell. This allows for easy mounting and connection to an electronic circuit board, and the like.

Problems solved by technology

However, as cell size becomes smaller, it becomes increasingly more complicated to perform the required welding and fabrication processes.

The problem with coin cells is, however, that the insulating gasket is typically of a polymeric or plastic material.

Also, these seals are unreliable and prone to leaking.

As such, coin cells of the prior art are not suitable for implantable applications.

Images